Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine expects a $3.5 billion weapons fund—sourced from NATO member nations—to help secure U.S.-made weaponry in the ongoing fight against Russia.
Speaking during a press conference, Zelensky stated that the fund will come through a NATO-coordinated initiative known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which pools financial contributions from NATO allies (excluding the United States) to purchase American weapons and munitions for Ukraine. According to Zelensky, the total fund is expected to reach $3.5–$3.6 billion by October.
“This mechanism is crucial. We are receiving real commitments and the first confirmed deliveries. The fund is already over $2 billion and growing,” Zelensky said.
First Deliveries: Missiles and Precision Systems
Ukraine’s immediate priorities include Patriot air defense missiles and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) ammunition. These systems are vital for protecting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure from continued Russian missile and drone attacks.
Patriot missiles are among the most advanced Western air defense systems and have already helped intercept Russian ballistic and cruise missiles in recent months.
HIMARS give Ukraine long-range precision strike capabilities against Russian supply lines and command centers.
Zelensky emphasized that the timing is critical, as Russia is expected to ramp up attacks on Ukraine’s power grid during the winter.
NATO and Europe’s Role
This funding mechanism marks a shift in Europe’s strategic approach. Rather than depending solely on U.S. military aid, NATO member states (excluding the U.S.) are directly financing weapons purchases from American defense manufacturers. The initiative allows Europe to show military solidarity while also sustaining Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the development, saying:
“This is a clear sign that NATO allies continue to stand united behind Ukraine. The alliance is evolving to meet Ukraine’s most urgent military needs—not only through donations but through joint financing and coordination.”
Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and the Netherlands have already committed to the fund. Additional pledges are expected in the coming weeks.
The United States: Arms Supplier
Although the U.S. is not contributing directly to the fund, it plays a crucial role as the supplier of the weapons being purchased. The fund benefits the U.S. defense industry and helps maintain the flow of high-end weaponry to Ukraine—even as direct U.S. aid packages remain politically contentious in Washington.
A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson commented:
“We welcome our allies’ efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. These pooled funds allow for efficient procurement and delivery of critical systems from U.S. defense manufacturers.”
The U.S. is also providing logistical support and coordination to ensure timely delivery under the PURL mechanism.
Russia Condemns the Move
The Kremlin reacted sharply to the announcement. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused NATO of escalating the war and prolonging suffering.
“This so-called fund is nothing but a collective Western attempt to continue fueling a proxy war against Russia,” she said. “Russia will respond accordingly, both militarily and diplomatically.”
Russian state media called the initiative a sign that “Europe has fully surrendered its independence to Washington”, and warned that increased Western weapons supplies could trigger “serious consequences” on the battlefield and beyond.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its own military operations in eastern Ukraine and stepped up drone attacks on civilian energy infrastructure—likely in anticipation of a renewed winter campaign.
Zelensky’s announcement underscores the shifting nature of Western military support. With direct U.S. funding subject to political hurdles, European NATO allies are stepping up to fill the gap, using shared resources to keep Ukraine’s defense effort viable.
The PURL mechanism offers a more predictable, pooled funding source, allowing for faster procurement and delivery of vital equipment. It may also become a model for long-term European defense cooperation, even beyond the war in Ukraine.
As winter approaches, the $3.5 billion fund could determine whether Ukraine can sustain effective defense of its cities and infrastructure—or face another wave of devastating Russian attacks, perhaps even ending the war.